Police say they will look into any new leads in the 2001 slaying of a newspaper sports editor after one of the men originally convicted had his case overturned and was freed.

The Columbia Police Department issued a written statement Wednesday saying it respects an appeals court decision that reversed the murder and robbery convictions of Ryan Ferguson in the killing of Columbia Daily Tribune sports editor Kent Heitholt.

The police department said it will follow up on any new information that is brought to its attention.

Ferguson was freed Tuesday evening after the Missouri attorney general decided not to re-try him.

Chuck Erickson remains in prison after pleading guilty to Heitholt's murder. Erickson originally testified against Ferguson but later recanted.

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"I believe we know who did it. I think it's a matter of proving it and a matter of getting help from the authorities at this point," he said. "I think the facts show clearly who did it. You know, I'm not going to throw names out there. But anyone who takes the time to look at the evidence, I think it will become obvious to them who that individual is."

Ferguson said he can't imagine how Heitholt's family is feeling right now. He said he hopes they will one day learn who committed the crime.